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Brand Names: US

Brand Names: Canada

Warning

This drug may cause very bad side effects. These include irritated or torn tendons; nerve problems in the arms, hands, legs, or feet; and nervous system problems. These side effects can happen alone or at the same time. They can happen within hours to weeks after starting this drug. Some of these side effects may not go away, and may lead to disability or death. Talk with the doctor.

The chance of irritated or torn tendons is greater in heart, kidney, or lung transplant patients and in people taking steroid drugs. Tendon problems can happen as long as several months after treatment. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has pain, bruising, or swelling in the back of the ankle, shoulder, hand, or other joints. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child is not able to move or bear weight on a joint or if your child hears or feels a snap or pop.

Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has signs of nerve problems. These may include not able to handle heat or cold; change in sense of touch; or burning, numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.

Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has signs of nervous system problems. These may include anxiety, bad dreams, trouble sleeping, change in eyesight, dizziness, feeling confused, feeling nervous or agitated, feeling restless, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), new or worse behavior or mood changes like depression or thoughts of killing him/herself, seizures, or very bad headaches.

Do not give this drug if your child has myasthenia gravis. Very bad and sometimes deadly breathing problems have happened with this drug in people who have myasthenia gravis.

For some health problems, this drug is only for use when other drugs cannot be used or have not worked. Talk with the doctor to be sure that the benefits of this drug are more than the risks.

What is this drug used for?

It is used to treat or prevent bacterial infections.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

If your child has an allergy to this drug or any part of this drug.

If your child is allergic to any drugs like this one or any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

If your child has any of these health problems: Long QT on ECG, low magnesium levels, low potassium levels, or slow heartbeat.

If your child has kidney disease.

If your child has heart failure, talk with the doctor.

If your child has had a recent heart attack.

If your child has ever had any of these health problems: Nerve problems or tendon problems.

If your child has had tendons get irritated or torn when taking this drug or an alike drug in the past.

If your child is taking any drugs used for a heartbeat that is not normal.

If your child is taking any drugs that can cause a certain type of heartbeat that is not normal (prolonged QT interval). There are many drugs that can do this. Ask the doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

If your child is taking any of these drugs: Duloxetine, theophylline, tizanidine, or zolpidem.

If your child is breast-feeding a baby:

Talk with the doctor if your child is breast-feeding a baby or plans to breast-feed a baby.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for your child to take this drug with all of his/her drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

Have your child avoid tasks or actions that call for alertness until you see how this drug affects your child. These are things like riding a bike, playing sports, or using items such as scissors, lawnmowers, electric scooters, toy cars, or motorized vehicles.

Have your child’s blood work checked if he/she is on this drug for a long time. Talk with your child’s doctor.

If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch his/her blood sugar closely.

This drug may affect how much of some other drugs are in the body. If your child is taking other drugs, talk with the doctor. Your child may need to have blood work checked more closely while taking this drug with other drugs.

Do not give to your child longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.

Tell the doctor if your child takes a drug that has caffeine or eats or drinks products that have caffeine, like tea, coffee, cola, or chocolate.

Your child may get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and dress your child in clothing and eyewear that protects him/her from the sun.

Rarely, very bad and sometimes deadly effects have happened with this drug. These include muscle or joint, kidney, liver, blood, and other problems. Talk with the doctor if you have questions.

A type of abnormal heartbeat (prolonged QT interval) can happen with this drug. Call the doctor right away if your child has a fast heartbeat, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, or if your child passes out.

Use care in children younger than 18 years of age. Talk with the doctor.

If your child is or may be pregnant:

Tell the doctor if your child is pregnant or becomes pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of your child using this drug while pregnant.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

All products:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.

A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if your child has signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

It is common to have diarrhea when taking this drug. Rarely, a very bad form of diarrhea called Clostridium difficile (C diff)-associated diarrhea (CDAD) may occur. Sometimes, this has led to a deadly bowel problem (colitis). CDAD may happen while your child is taking this drug or within a few months after he/she stops taking it. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has stomach pain or cramps, very loose or watery stools, or bloody stools. Do not try to treat loose stools without first checking with the doctor.

Injection:

Irritation where the shot is given.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

Upset stomach or throwing up.

Loose stools (diarrhea).

Headache.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All oral products:

Give this drug at the same time of day.

Give this drug with or without food.

Give this drug with a full glass of water.

Do not take this drug along with dairy products, like milk or yogurt, or calcium-rich juices. This drug may be taken with a full meal if the meal has these products.

Injection:

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

All oral products:

If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.

Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Extended-release tablets:

Do not give more than 1 dose of this drug in the same day.

Injection:

Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Tablet:

Store at room temperature.

Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

Liquid (suspension):

Store liquid (suspension) at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any part not used after 2 weeks.

Injection:

If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

All products:

Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.

Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.

Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.

Talk with your child’s doctor before giving your child any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Last Reviewed Date

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If you have any questions or concerns, contact a member of your healthcare team directly or call 212-639-2000 for help.

If you have any questions or concerns, talk with a member of your healthcare team. You can reach them Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at ____________________. After 5:00 pm, during the weekend, and on holidays, please call____________________. If there’s no number listed, or you’re not sure, call 212-639-2000.

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